Monday, February 25, 2008

I really like these eye-level point of view setups. The geometry of them is simple and fun to paint. I commend those artists who set up more challenging perspectives. The object below the apple is a cup. The handle was cut off and it might be hard to read.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

I like the idea of objects falling off the canvas, but I should have moved the subject down just a bit. That is a cool blue vase and I wish more was seen. I think I will paint the vase again, but with more of it showing.

Friday, February 15, 2008

I ate lunch the other day with my friend Lane Bennion who decided to start his own blog. He is an amazing artist and I am glad he will be sharing his work in the blogging world. He paints mainly large paintings, and has a lot to say about his own art and art in general. I think there is a great benefit to blogging and networking with other artists. So visit his website and blog and let him know what you think...Now if I can just convince Zach to start a blog.

Monday, February 11, 2008

I would like to get good at painting fabric. I think getting the values in the folds right is tricky.

I had a tough time with this painting. I actually wiped it down and reset up my objects to get this composition. I definitely like this one better. I need to be more willing to start over. Sometimes when I start a painting I realize I don't really like it, but I keep going just to see what will happen. Sometimes the painting will turn around and be great but other times not so great. I think there is a point when I realize the painting is bad but will just sign it and hope for better luck tomorrow. I have a hard time wiping down a couple hours worth of work, but I am glad I did today.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

I am going to try and use larger brushes again. Since I started painting on these smaller surfaces, I have been unconsciously using smaller brushes. I looked at some of my older/larger paintings and realized I would use much larger brushes. I think choosing the right size brush to make a mark is just as important as mixing the right value.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Monday, February 4, 2008

Wow. painting is difficult to get back into after a week long break. I guess that is how it goes. But I should be good for this week. My wife was out of town and I played full time dad. Excuses, excuses...right.

About Me

Painting really is one of the greatest challenges of my life, and I love that challenge. I cannot think of a time in my life when some form of art was not part of who I am. Art definitely defines in part whom I have become. I love the process of painting. The decision making along the way seems to be part instinctual and part learned, which allows for an internal dialogue that somehow connects all artists of any discipline.
I use Utrecht paints for no other reason than convenience in proximity. As for brushes, I currently use Utrecht’s watercolor brushes (which may seem odd for oil paints). I find they give a nice flat application of paint. I also like that these brushes are less expensive, compared to high priced oil brushes.
As for the success of any artist, I believe the key is in the doing. For me that means learning as much as I can from artists I admire, while ignoring their advice; thus allowing for my own response.
I have a BFA from the University of Utah, where I studied mainly under John Erickson. I was invited to be an Artist in Residence down in Helper, Utah during the summer of 2004.

How to purchase

Hi folks. If you would like to purchase a painting after it has ended on eBay simply e-mail me at yellowfroggs@yahoo.com. Let me know the painting you would like and I will contact you with final details. Thanks.To bid on one of my current paintings, click here.